Hindu Religious Studies 41
anniversary of Sarbananda Thakur. In other temples close to
it, the idols of Shiva and other deities are found. Worship and
prayers are held here regularly. Thousands of devotees gather here
during the fair and festival.
Kantaji Temple
The Navaratna temple of Kantaji is situated at Kaharol under
Dinajpur district. The noble king Pran Nath started its construction.
His son King Ramanath finished the work. In 1752 the great king
Ramanath dedicated this temple to Rukshminikanta, also known as
Kantaji. Rukshminikanta is another name of Shrikrishna.
There is an idol of Kantaji in this temple. Its architectural design is
very attractive. There are many illustrations of the stories from
Hindu mythology drawn on the walls of this temple. Some examples
are the fight between Rama and Ravana, martial procession of
goddess Chandi and the battle of Kurukshetra. Many pictures of
Krishna's amusement are potrayed in clay on the walls of this
temple. These are called terracotta. Worship is done regularly in this
temple.
Kali Temple of Dakshineshwar
The Kali Temple of Dakshineshwar is situated at a place very close
to Kolkata. Queen Rasmani founded this temple in 1855 A.D. It is
situated at a beautiful site on the bank of the Ganges. There is an
attractive idol of Kali in this temple. Kali is known here as
Bhabatarini Ma Kali. There are twelve temples of Shiva in this
campus. A temple of Radhakanta also stands there. A theatre stands
in front of the Kali temple. Thakur ShriRamkrishna used to worship
Kali in this temple of Dakshineshwar. Worship performed and food
offerings are served here everyday. People from home and abroad
assemble here to visit the idol of mother Kali. A great number of
devotees gather here on the day of Kali Puja.